Modelling the Richards function using Evolutionary Algorithms on the effect of electrical conductivity of nutrient solution on zucchini growth in hydroponic culture

The effect of two levels of electrical conductivity (EC) in two nutrient solutions was studied in a hydroponic cultivation of zucchini, during the growing period using the Richards function. The equations for each individual organ were fitted using Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) and the improvement of parameters was defined through an innovative EA. So, by estimating the (near) optimal model of the growth of each individual organ, the proposed method manages to simulate the plant growth and how the two levels of EC in two different nutrient solutions affects it, as demonstrated by experimental results.The leaves were longer in the lower electrical conductivity. The length of the leaves and the growth rate of the older leaf were higher than those of the newer leaf in both nutrient solutions. The total soluble solids of fruits were more at the higher EC level.